THE PUBLIC toilet prices in Pembrokeshire could be doubling from 20p to 40p.
There are 10 council-run public toilets which currently charges for use:
- Broad Haven – Marine Road
- Narberth – Town Moor
- Pembroke Dock – Gordon Street
- St David’s – Whitesands
- Saundersfoot – Regency
- Tenby – Castle Beach, Multi-Storey, North Beach Car Park, South Beach and The Green.
The remaining 62 council-run public facilities still free to use.
If the usage of around 500,000 visits a year remains unchanged the move is said to raise an additional £45,000 revenue, a report has stated.
Councillor Cris Tomos said that according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the additional money raised from the increase will be reinvested into the service to improve the facilities.
He added that charges could be introduced on other facilities across the county, and contactless card payments will be made available.
The change is due to come into effect in April.
Of the 450 people who responded to the consultation, the majority did not want to see the price hike. However, councillor Tomos has said that was ‘human nature’.
Councillor Phil Baker who has reservations about the increase abstained from the vote.
Cabinet member of the economy, Paul Miller, has said the biggest barrier was people need to ensure they have the necessary change.
Councillor Tomos, in response has said the Council are supporting businesses and encouraging them to make their toilets available to the general public.
The meeting heard that The Welsh Government will be urged to follow in England’s foot steps and remove the business rates on toilets.
